Hi, I’m Chris

I’ve always felt pulled toward wildlife and wild places. That pull has taken me from Africa to Southeast Asia, New Zealand, and other regions where nature is still the main attraction.

Here on Castaway Chris, I share what I’ve learned so you can plan your own trips to see wildlife, whether it’s a safari in Africa or a jungle adventure in Asia.

Latest Guides

Habarana Sri Lanka Hotels I’d Recommend for a Smart Base in the Cultural Triangle

Things to Do in Habarana Sri Lanka That Are Actually Worth Your Time

Sri Lanka vs India: Which One Feels Better to Travel Through?

Sri Lanka vs Maldives: Which Trip I’d Actually Choose and Why

Best Hotels in Ella Sri Lanka I’d Book Based on Budget, Views, and Location

Things to Do in Ella Sri Lanka That Still Feel Worth It After the Hype

New Zealand Black Sand Beaches That Feel Wild, Raw, and Worth the Drive

What to Do Colombo Sri Lanka If You Want the City to Feel Worth More Than a Stopover

My Favorite Day Trips From Auckland That Are Actually Worth the Time

The Best Things to Do in Wanaka If You Want More Than Just Pretty Views

The Best Hotels in Wellington New Zealand I’d Actually Stay In Again

Budget Hotels in Ella Sri Lanka I’d Actually Book Without Feeling Like I Settled

Is New Zealand Expensive? My Take After Paying for the Trip

My Guide to Waiheke Wineries After a Day on the Island

Luxury Hotels in Ella Sri Lanka I’d Splurge on for Views, Quiet, and a Real Sense of Place

Where to Stay Colombo, Sri Lanka Based on How You Want the City to Feel

A Realistic New Zealand South Island 2 Week Itinerary That Doesn’t Feel Rushed

My Honest Guide to Things to Do in Auckland New Zealand Without Wasting Time

Best Time to Surf in Sri Lanka Depending on Which Coast You Actually Want

Best Time to Surf in Sri Lanka Depending on Which Coast You Actually Want

The Best Time to Go to New Zealand Depends on What You Actually Want

These Are the New Zealand Cities to Visit First

My Favorite Things to Do in Christchurch City When I Want a Trip to Feel Easy

How I’d Decide Where to Surf in Sri Lanka After Seeing Both Coasts

Is It Dangerous to Surf in Sri Lanka

Off the Beaten Path in Florence Italy: The Side of the City I Like Best

Luxury Villas in Greece for Rent

My Real Take on Sri Lanka Surf Camps After Seeing What Actually Matters

The Best road trip Baja California Sur itinerary I’d Actually Follow Again

The Real difference between Baja California and Baja California Sur for Travelers

The Most Memorable tourist attractions in Baja California Sur I Think Are Worth Your Time

How I’d Plan a Sri Lanka Surf Trip Without Making It Too Complicated

Where Surfing Near Colombo Sri Lanka Actually Makes Sense

Where I’d Actually Eat: My Guide to Restaurants in Queenstown New Zealand

Why Surfing for Beginners in Sri Lanka Is One of the Easiest Ways to Start Surfing

Hidden Gems in Florence: The Places I’d Go When I Need a Break From the Crowds

One Day in Florence Italy: What I’d Do to Make the Most of It

Things to Do in Bergamo Italy: What I’d Prioritize First

Southern Italy Itinerary: The Version I’d Recommend for a First Trip

Lake Garda to Dolomites: The Scenic Drive I’d Actually Recommend

Itinerary for Naples Italy: My Realistic 3 to 5 Day Plan

Dolomites in June: What It’s Really Like Before Peak Summer

Hot Springs Resort in Taiwan

Things to Do in Taipei Taiwan

Typical Food in Taiwan

How to Rent a Private Yacht in Greece

Street Food in Taiwan

Best Longboard Waves in Panama

Best Longboard Waves in Spain

Best Restaurants in Mallorca Spain

First-Class Flight Deals USA to Japan: How I Actually Look for the Best Ones

Best Longboard Waves in Nicaragua I’d Actually Go Back To

Best Spa Retreats in Bali

Luxury Cruises From Miami

Best Boutique Hotels in Paris

Luxury Adventure Tours in Costa Rica

Planning a Trip to Rio de Janeiro: What I’d Figure Out Before Booking Anything

How to Travel Brazil: What Felt Easy, What Felt Hard, and How I’d Do It Again

Rio de Janeiro Itinerary: How I’d Spend 4 to 5 Days in the City

Travel Itinerary Brazil: A Realistic Route for First-Time Travelers

Brazilian Side of Iguaza Falls: What It’s Like, What to Expect, and Whether It’s Worth It

St Lucia Volcanoes: What the Drive-In Volcano Is Really Like (Soufrière Tips)

St Lucia Volcanoes: What the Drive-In Volcano Is Really Like (Soufrière Tips)

Best Caribbean Resorts for Couples

Best Caribbean Resorts for Couples

Most Exclusive Resorts in the Caribbean

Most Exclusive Resorts in the Caribbean

Most Beautiful Luxury Resorts in Thailand: What Makes a Stay Feel Truly Special

Most Beautiful Luxury Resorts in Thailand: What Makes a Stay Feel Truly Special

Jellyfish in Thailand: What Beach Travelers Should Pay Attention To

Jellyfish in Thailand: What Beach Travelers Should Pay Attention To

Dangerous Animals in Thailand: What Matters Most for Travelers

Dangerous Animals in Thailand: What Matters Most for Travelers

Scorpions in Thailand: Where They Matter and Where They Really Do Not

Scorpions in Thailand: Where They Matter and Where They Really Do Not

Snakes in Thailand: What to Know Before You Go

Snakes in Thailand: What to Know Before You Go

Exclusive Safari Lodges in Kenya

Exclusive Safari Lodges in Kenya

Kenya Safari for Photographers: Gear, Vehicles, and Best Parks

Kenya Safari for Photographers: Gear, Vehicles, and Best Parks

Kenya Safari With Kids: Where to Go + Ages + What It’s Like

Kenya Safari With Kids: Where to Go + Ages + What It’s Like

Costco Travel African Safari to Kruger: What You Get + Cost

Costco Travel African Safari to Kruger: What You Get + Cost

Kenya Safari Itinerary (7–10 Days)

Kenya Safari Itinerary (7–10 Days)

Driving in Kruger National Park: Rules, Roads, and What Surprises First-Timers

Driving in Kruger National Park: Rules, Roads, and What Surprises First-Timers

Kruger Safari Without a Tour: Is It Worth It?

Kruger Safari Without a Tour: Is It Worth It?

Kruger National Park Accommodation Prices

Kruger National Park Accommodation Prices

Kruger Self-Drive Safari: Best Routes, Times, and Mistakes to Avoid

Kruger Self-Drive Safari: Best Routes, Times, and Mistakes to Avoid

South Africa Safari Itinerary (Kruger Focus)

South Africa Safari Itinerary (Kruger Focus)

Do You Need Vaccines for Rabies to Travel on Safari to South Africa?

Do You Need Vaccines for Rabies to Travel on Safari to South Africa?